Page 35 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

APOSTLES’ CREED - AQUILA

apostle. We have seen the qualifications from the APOSTOLIC SEE. A name for the Roman Catholic
Scriptures, and no Christian today can meet those Church or for the pope. It is so called because of the
qualifications. (2) There were only twelve of them, and erroneous Roman Catholic belief that the pope and
their office, apart from the exception of Judas, was never priests are successors to the early apostles. See means
passed on to others at their death (Lk. 6:13-16; Ac. seat, or place of authority. [See Roman Catholic
1:15-26; Re. 21:14). When Judas committed suicide Church.]
after betraying Jesus, the eleven remaining Apostles APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION. The belief that the
chose a replacement, bringing the number again to authority and position of the Apostles has been
twelve. This reveals their understanding of the transferred from generation to generation to church
significance of that exact number. Later Paul was called leaders. This belief is held by Roman Catholic, Greek
by the Lord Jesus to be an Apostle (1 Co. 15:7-9), and it Orthodox, Anglican Church, and other highly ritualistic
is possible that it was then that the matter of the denominations. The N.T. does not teach, though, that
replacement of Judas was settled from God’s viewpoint the office or authority of the Apostles was ever passed
for all eternity. (3) The first apostles were called to lay the from the original man to others. The false idea of
foundation of the church (Ep. 2:20). The foundation has apostolic succession is a man-made, rather than a
been firmly laid, and those men, with their special biblical, doctrine. The authority to build and govern
authority, calling, and sign gifts, have passed off the local churches comes not from any type of apostolic
scene. (4) No N.T. passage instructs churches to select or succession, but directly from the N.T. Scriptures and
ordain apostles—only pastors and deacons (1 Ti. 3; Tit. from the Holy Spirit. [See Apostle.]
1). When Judas died the remaining 11 chose a APOTHECARY. Pertaining to making perfume (Ex.
replacement (Ac. 1:15-26). But observe, first, that this 30:25, 35; Ec. 10:1).
was done in fulfillment of prophecy (Ac. 1:20; Ps.
109:8). Second, the standard used to select a APPAIM (nostrils). 1 Ch. 2:30-31.
replacement for Judas proves that the office of apostle APPARELLED. Clothed (2 Sa. 13:18).
could not continue beyond the first century. The APPHIA (market place of Appius). Ac. 28:15.
standard required that the apostle had been with Jesus APPI FORUM (market of Appius). An important
during His earthly ministry (Ac. 1:21-22). station on the Appian Way, the great road that led from
APOSTLES’ CREED. An anonymous Christian Rome toward the Bay of Naples. It was at this point that
doctrinal statement believed to have originated in the the Apostle Paul, on his journey to Rome, was greeted
fourth or fifth century. It is called the Apostles’ Creed by his brethren in the church (Ac. 28:15) (Famous Bible
because it was once purported to have been written by Places).
the Apostles, though there is no evidence that this creed APPLE OF THE EYE. The pupil or ball of the eye
was actually written or used by any of the Apostles. (De. 32:10; Ps. 17:8; Pr. 17:2).
Some believe the Apostles’ Creed contains a statement APPOINTED. (1) Allotted; affixed (Ge. 4:25). (2)
of essential doctrine, but the Bible says all doctrine is Equipped; girded (Jud. 18:11).
essential. The Lord Jesus instructed His people to teach APPREHEND. To capture; grasp; seize; possess (2
“all things” (Mt. 28:20). Paul preached the whole Co. 11:32; Ph. 3:12).
counsel of God (Ac. 20:26-27). Jude says we are to
contend for “the faith which was once delivered unto APPROVE. (1) To be pleased with (Ps. 49:13). (2) To
the saints” (Jude 3). There is no indication here that allow; prove; demonstrate (1 Co. 16:3). (2) To test; try
some portions of the faith are non-essential. [See (Ph. 1:10).
Doctrine, Separation.] APT. Able; capable (2 Ki. 24:16; 1 Ti. 3:2; 2 Ti.
APOSTOLIC FATHERS. A term applied to early 2:24).
Christian writers who lived near the times of the AQUILA (eagle). Aquila and Priscilla were Paul’s
Apostles. Some of these writings have been preserved friends and co-workers. They first met in Corinth (Acts
and are used to determine beliefs, conditions, and 18:1-3). It appears that Aquila and Priscilla were
practices of the early churches following the passing of already believers in Christ before they met Paul. The
the Apostles. Examples of apostolic fathers are Clement gospel was probably brought to Rome soon after
of Rome, Ignatius, and Polycarp. Many of those who are Pentecost by the Jews who had traveled to Jerusalem to
listed as “fathers of the church” were heretics who attend the feast and who heard the gospel there.
helped lay the foundation for Roman Catholicism. Compare Acts 2:5-10. Like Paul, Aquila and Priscilla
Examples are Jerome, Origen, and Augustine. (See were tentmakers (Acts 18: 3). Paul often worked to
“Beware of the Church Fathers” at the Way of Life web support himself (Acts 20:34). Jewish boys, including
site.) those in training to be rabbis, were taught a trade.

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 35